Download User's Guide

User’s Guide
Version 2010-V
(with built-in Vacuum)
Automatic Inkjet Cartridge Refilling Machine
Congratulations!
You have just acquired the Ready2Fill TFTotalFlex machine Version
V2010v, a 100% professional product that allows you to refill black or
tri-color ink cartridges. Ready2Fill has joined all technological resources
it has gained during years on the market. A really advanced device, easy
to operate and flexible enough to refill, not only almost any and all current
printhead cartridges, as well as some of the cartridges yet to be marketed
in the near future!
We are certain that we are providing you with a compact, light, sturdy product,
without parallel in the market and thus we are merely repaying the confidence
you have granted on our products.
In order to insure the adequate operation of your TFTotalFlex device, please
read thoroughly the instructions printed on this User’s Guide. In case there’s
any doubt, talk to your local dealer.
Important!
Always use empty original cartridges and the original Ready2Fill inks,
this will ensure that your cartridge has quality, efficiency and a larger
number of refills. Remanufactured cartridges with improper systems or
raw materials may contain residues of poor quality ink, liable to obstruct
the printhead and leading to problems in the refilling process.
CAUTION!!!
Some inks you may find in the market have a density or viscosity that
causes difficult ink penetration trought the cartridge printhead, thus
forcing the machine’s pump, connections and inner hoses, shortening the
machine’s useful life in addition to affecting its warranty. For an adequate
operation, we recommend using our inks, specifically formulated and
thoroughly tested at our labs.
1. Contents
Important Hints..................................................................................................... 4
Getting to Know the Machine................................................................................. 5
Getting to Know machine’s Levers and Buttons....................................................6
Getting the Machine Ready to be Used...................................................... 7 and 8
Starting Your Machine........................................................................................... 9
Removing the Air from the Hose System (RAHS)................................................10
How to Insert Cartridges Into the Adapter..........................................................11
Getting the Cartridges Ready for Refilling ..........................................................12
Information Regarding the Refilling of Black Ink Cartridges.....................13 to 15
Refilling Black Ink Cartridges . .................................................................. 16 to 19
Depressurizing Pouch Cartridges (HP 15, 40 or 45 models)............................20
Depressurizing Pouch Cartridges (HP 20, 26 or 29 models)............................21
Refilling Color ink Cartridges..................................................................... 22 to 24
Self-Cleaning System...........................................................................................25
User’s Guide
3
2. Impotant Hints
Attention
The machine was developed exclusively to be operated
by professionals, and in case you are not one or if you
are using the machine for refilling your own cartridges it
is important to know that, during the refilling operation,
leakage of ink is always a possibility, and that the ink has a
very high density. In case of leakage or dropping of ink we
do not take responsibility for ink spots on textiles such as
clothes, carpets or furniture, etc., as removal is extremely
difficult and in some instances effectively impossible, thus
we caution you to operate the machine with care and, if
possible, put it on a corner or any other appropriate place,
always wearing latex gloves. In case it has any contact with
eyes, wash them using a lot of water and look for medical
attention.
Note: This manual is subject to changes. Look always to the on-line manual that we keep on our site or directly at the link
below, available to be downloaded: www.tintafacil.com.br/manual_TFTotalFlex_HS_V2010v_english.pdf
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User’s Guide
3. Getting to Know the Machine
Refilling and
self-cleaning button.
Tricolor
inks outlet.
Selecting buttons for
manual control
of the Magenta,
Yellow and
Cyan colors.
Selector button for
individual control
of black ink.
Vacuum outlet.
Black ink outlet.
Led shows that
machine is on.
Button for
activating
vacuum.
Leds indicate
refilling status.
Refilling buttons
for black or color
ink cartridges.
User’s Guide
5
4. Getting to Know machine’s Levers and Buttons
White Lever – Down
Cyan Lever - Up
White Lever - Up
1 ml Black Ink and 0.33 ml
Cyan, Magenta or Yellow ink
Black Lever - Down
4.6 ml Black Ink and 1.66 ml
Cyan, Magenta or Yellow ink
Black Lever - Up
9,6 ml Black Ink and 2,4 ml
Cyan, Magenta or Yellow ink
Magenta Lever - Down
16 ml Black Ink and 5.8 ml
Cyan, Magenta and Yellow ink
Magenta Lever - Up
40 ml Black Ink and 6.6 ml
Cyan, Magenta and Yellow ink
Yellow Lever – Down
Vacuum operation button
Yellow Lever - Up
White Lever moving down
Cyan Lever – Down
l
Positions:
“Down” = deactivated lever
“Up” = activated lever
Functions of Electrical Levers
Levers
Position
Down = Machine does not obey any command.
Up = Machine ready to operate.
Moving from up to down = Executes Self-Cleaning and RAHS.
Down = Prevents pumping of ink in same color as lever.
Up = Allows pumping of ink in same color as lever.
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User’s Guide
5. Getting the Machine Ready to be Used
1 - Take of the safety ink caps (A),
replacing them by the ink collector
caps (B) provided in the accessory
kit of the machine.
A
B
For
Residual Black
ink ink refill
(vacuum)
Magenta
ink refill
Yellow
ink refill
2 - Connect the “waste” bottle and
ink refills to the rear of the machine,
using the hoses and their connectors, considering colors marked in
the rear picture. Fixed hoses differ
by their connectors(“A” for white and
“B” for black connectors)
Cyan
ink refill
3 - Connect the remaining hoses to
the machine’s Front Connectors.
Note: The hose with the widest
caliber is to be connected to the
machine’s black ink connector.
User’s Guide
7
Getting the Machine Ready to be Used (continuation)
Together with the machine you receive an acrylic box with 4 connectors
on its top (Collecting Box). Its purpose is to accommodate hoses during
the machine’s operation, in addition to storing possible ink drops during
some procedures.
Collecting
Box
4 - Connect front hoses of machine to the “Collecting Box”.
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User’s Guide
6. Connecting your Device

Power Source
1 - Connect the cable to the power source.
2 - Activate the “On/Off Selector Switch”, located on lower rear part of the machine.
3 - Check if the “POWER ON” LED on the control keys located on the upper part
of the device is lit.
LED On
Selector Switch
(On / Off)
Connect to
power source.
User’s Guide
9
7. Remoing the Air from the Hose System (RAHS)
Before refilling the cartridges, machine’s hoses must
be full of ink. When you operate the machine for
the first time or when hoses have air inside,
this is how you’ll fill them with ink.
1 - Make sure that the machine is on
and that inks, hoses and the “Collecting Box” are connected.
2 - Raise all 5 levers located on the
front part of the machine to the up
position.
3 - Following that, place the “White Lever”
located on the right upper front part of
the machine on the down position.
(The “FILLING/PRIMING” LED on the panel
must be blinking). Now the machine will
begin a procedure for self-cleaning, after
which it will pause for 5 seconds and
following that it will begin the automatic
filling of hoses with ink, thus expelling all
air inside the system.
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User’s Guide
8. How to Insert Cartridges Into the Adapter
More Updated Models (with internal sponge)

1 - Identify the model of the adaptor adequate to the cartridge.
2 - Insert the cartridge’s printhead turned down.
3 - Press the upper part of the cartridge until it clicks into its vertical position.
1
2
3
Models HP 66(15), 516(40) and 516(45) - 15,40,45

1 - Make sure that the model of the adaptor is adequate to the cartridge.
2 - Insert the cartridge’s printhead turned up.
3 - Press the lower part of the cartridge until it clicks in the vertical position.
1
2
3
Models HP 6614(20), 516(26) and 516(29) - 20,26,29

1 - Insert cartridge following steps 1, 2 and 3, according to the figures below.
1
2
User’s Guide
3
11
9. Getting the Cartridges Ready for Refilling
Attention
Used cartridges contain ink residues inside. Before refilling, it is necessary
to remove it. For that procedure we will make use of the “Vacuum Outlet”.
If cartridge is clogged you may consider unclogging procedures using
unclogging apparatus (ex.: Ultrasonic machine) before emptying routine.
Emptying Cartridge Routine

Fit the cartridge to the adaptor and connect it to the “Vacuum Outlet”, according
to the illustration. During that procedure, no matter what the cartridge’s model,
it must ALWAYS have its the printhead turned down, while “White Lever” must be
at the up position.
1
Up
Adaptor
Cartridge
Press vacuum button at the control panel1 and wait for the “Filling / Priming” LED
stops blinking. If necessary, press it once more, repeating the operation until the
cartridge is empty. During this procedure, if you cannot detect ink passing through
the adaptor’s hose, it is possible that the cartridge is already empty or seriously
clogged by dry ink on its printhead. At the end of this procedure if the cartridge
is empty and unclogged, thus it’s ready to be refilled.
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User’s Guide
Information Regarding the Refilling of Black Ink Cartridges
There several manners for refilling cartridges, from the most simple one that
uses syringes to the most sophisticated using machines from different brands
that make use of different patents.
For that reason alone we have gathered some data that we felt useful for the
refilling of black ink cartridges when using our TFTotalFlex machine.
Other useful information, such as advantages of the method used for refilling,
compatibility standards, ink characteristics and several other may be found
in our “Recycler’s Primer”, available at our site (www.tintafacil.com.br) or
contacting directly our technical support.
There are two cartridge ink storing types:
1 - Sponge Cartridges
This is the majority of the cartridges (about 95%) currently to be found in the
market. Those cartridges have a sponge inside, which purpose is to store ink,
and must be refilled with its printhead in the down position. There is no need to
depressurize them after refill.
Except for the pouch cartridges, all cartridges listed in the refilling tables of
herein manual have such characteristic. Sponge cartridges are more difficult to
be fully emptied, as ink, when absorbed, flows together with the air that comes
from the cartridge air entrance.
The longest suction cycle of the “Vacuum Outlet” takes 40 seconds and is
sufficient to take out residues of cartridge ink, but in case cartridge is full or if
it still carries a lot of ink, it is suggested that the procedure is repeated in order
to make sure that the cartridge was effectively depleted.
User’s Guide
13
Information Regarding the Refilling of Black Ink Cartridges
2 - Pouch Cartridges (require depressurization after refill)
These are cartridges that have an internal pouch, used either to store ink or
balance the frame’s inner pressure.
Those cartridges must be refilled with the printhead in the up position. In order
to remove air residue and to generate a negative pressure inside the cartridge
they have to be depressurized after being refilled thus avoiding any leakages or
other problems.
Examples of pouch cartridges:
Plastic pouch - HP models 20, 26 and 29
Upper view
Bottom view
Maze
Printhead
Refilling of this cartridge consists of injecting ink through the maze. As this is
a so-called “body closed” cartridge, during injection of ink it is necessary to
apply, simultaneously, vacuum to the printhead, in order that the inner air leaks
out and internal pressure does not increase.
The problem is that, because those cartridges have been initially developed
to be used in the printers manufactured during the 90s, the best part of the
cartridges currently found in the market are both old and have their printheads
obstructed. In this case air cannot exit during refill, internal pressure increases
excessively and, when you take the cartridge out of the adapter, after being
refilled, it “expels” both air and ink trough the maze.
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User’s Guide
Information Regarding the Refilling of Black Ink Cartridges
In order to avoid such “mess”, one must be certain that the printhead is not
clogged, but how?
When you are undertaking the cartridge draining procedures (page 12),
vacuum applied to the printhead inflates the 2 plastic internal pouches; if that
does not occur or if they take too long to inflate, it means that the printhead is
obstructed and if you are not able to clear it discard the cartridge.
Aluminum pouch - HP models 15, 40 and 45
(requires depressurizing after refill)
Pouch cartridges are easy to be fully emptied, as ink(alone) flows out of the
cartridge in a continuous manner until the end.
Printhead
Electrical
contacts
Refilling of this cartridge consists in injecting ink through the printhead. Despite
is being a so-called “body closed” cartridge, simultaneous application or
vacuum is not required.(only depressurization after refilling)
Regarding the method for refilling cartridges:
Using our machine and its adapters, all BLACK INK cartridges mentioned in this
manual are refilled using injection of ink through the printhead, except for the
HP 20, 26 and 29 models, refilled using the maze.
User’s Guide
15
10. Refilling Black Ink Cartridges
Sponge Cartridges

Considering that the cartridge has just been emptied, and thus already connected
to the adaptor, disconnect the adaptor from the “Vacuum Outlet”1 and connect it
to the large hose already connected to the machine’s “Ink Outlet”2.
Levers in the
down position.
Levers in the
up position.
1
Attention
2
Black Ink outlet.
Levers “Colors” down.
In this example we are using the Lexmark 70 cartridge, but all sponge cartridges
must be refilled in the shown position (printhead turned down) and they use the
same principles for being fitted into their respective adaptors.
Now follow the procedures for refilling on page 19. For cartridges with inner pouch,
follow instructions on pages 17 or 18, according to the model.
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User’s Guide
Refilling Black Ink Cartridges (continuation)
Pouch Cartridge

models HP 66(15), 516(40) and 516(45) - 15,40,45
Considering that the cartridge has just been emptied, and thus already connected
to the adaptor, disconnect the adaptor from the “Vacuum Outlet”1 and connect it
to the large hose already connected to the machine’s “Ink Outlet”2.
Levers in the
down position.
Levers in the up
position.
1
2
Attention
Levers “Colors” down.
Ink outlet.
Attention
These cartridge models have to be depressurized after
being refilled. Please follow instructions on page 20.
Cartridge is to be refilled as pictured (printhead in the up position). Using the
largest hose, connect the adaptor to the machine’s ink outlet and follow procedures
for refilling on page 19.
User’s Guide
17
Refilling Cartridges with Black Ink (continuation)
Pouch Cartridge

models HP 6614(20), 516(26) and 516(29) - 20,26,29
Considering that the cartridge has just been emptied(through its printhead), thus is already connected to the adaptor and that adaptor is connected to the “Vacuum Outlet”1,
all you have to do is to invert the position of the cartridge2 and connect the machine’s
“Black Ink Outlet” outlet to the cartridge’s maze3.
Black Ink Hose
Vacuum Hose
Maze
Vacuum Hose
2
1
Levers in “down
position”.
Bottle for
Leftover ink.
Levers in “up position”.
Printhead
3
Maze
Black Ink
Outlet
Must be refilled in the position as illustrated (printhead in the up position). Follow
procedures for refill in page 19.
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User’s Guide
Refilling Cartridges with Black Ink (continuation)
Filling Cartridges with Ink (Black cartridges)

Different cartridge models have different ink storage capacities. Table below
describes the button to be pushed for refilling, in order that the cartridge gets the
right amount of ink. After pressing the correct refill button wait until “CARTRIDGE
READY” LED starts blinking.
Cartridge
Position of Levers
White
Black
Colors
Press
Result
Button
Volume
HP 74/92
5 ml
HP 21/27/94/98
10 ml
HP 56/74XL/96
16 ml
HP 15/40/45
40 ml
HP 20/26/29
40 ml*
Lex 16/17
10 ml
Lex 50/70
Canon BC-20
40 ml
Canon BC-02/BX
16 ml**
* Refilling using maze and vacuum of “Vacuum Outlet” connected to the printhead.
** Refilling using lateral duct. Remaining cartridges refilled using its printhead.
- Final ink volume in the “Result” considers the cartridge’s means for ink injection is working perfectly and that is fully unclogged.
- Final volume of ink pumped into the cartridge during a certain time interval may vary between those cases where ink penetrates
through the printhead and where it penetrates the maze or duct, due to the difference in flow capacity found between those two
means.
If you are refilling only the black cartridge do not forget to keep the COLOR
levers in the DOWN position otherwise color inks will be also pumped according
to the volume of the button listed in page 24.
Note: HP Cartridges (15,40,45) and (20,26,29) have to be depressurized after refilling; learn how
to do it on pages 20 and 21.
User’s Guide
19
11. Depressurizing HP 15, 40, 45 Cartridges
Considering the fact that the cartridge has just been refilled and thus still connected to the machine’s “Ink Outlet1, withdraw the connector coupled to the
adaptor2 and connect the “Vacuum Outlet”3 hose. Press the panel button4.
After 10 seconds, your cartridge is fully depressurized and ALL LEDs in the
control panel start blinking during the “3 seconds window time” witch is the
time you have to remove the cartridge from the adapter. Then machine will
continue vacumm procedure for another 20 seconds witch must be ignored.
Attention
During this procedure cartridge must be kept in the
same position it had during
refill, that is printhead up.
1
4
4
3
2
1
Depressurization takes air from the inside of the cartridge, as well as a little
portion of ink, thus creating negative pressure inside the cartridge. In case you
have not verified passing of ink through the hose at “Vacuum Outlet” until the
depressurization is finished, repeat the procedure.
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User’s Guide
12. Depressurizing HP 20, 26, 29 Cartridges
Considering the fact that the cartridge has just been refilled, thus still connected
in the same manner, now press the panel button4. After 10 seconds, your
cartridge is fully depressurized and ALL LEDs in the control panel start blinking
during the “3 seconds window time” witch is the time you have to remove the
cartridge from the adapter. Then machine will continue vacumm procedure for
another 20 seconds witch must be ignored.
4
Printhead
Attention
During this procedure the cartridge must be kept in
the same position that it was occupying during refill,
that is, printhead up.
Depressurization takes air from the inside of the cartridge, as well as a little
portion of ink, thus creating negative pressure inside the cartridge. In case you
have not verified passing of ink through the hose at “Vacuum Outlet” until the
depressurization is finished, repeat the procedure.
User’s Guide
21
13. Refilling Color Cartridges
1 - Connect the front hoses to the needles used for the refilling of the cartridge,
according to the Table below:
Small Needle
HP 22, 28, 57, 93, 95 e 97
Lex 26 e 27
Medium Needle HP 25 e 49
Lex 17G, 60, 80 e 120
Large Needle
HP 17, 23, 41 e 78
2 - Considering the fact that the cartridge just now has been emptied and
thus already coupled to the adaptor, and the adaptor to the “Vacuum Outlet”,
drill sponges introducing the needles(see next page) and keep up levers
“White, Magenta, Yellow and Cyan” and lever “Black” down. Then press the
refill button related to the cartridge model according to Table on page 24.
Attention:
“Black” lever
down.
Attention
Watch very carefully the position regarding cartridges’ colors,
not to refill compartment with the wrong color.
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User’s Guide
Refilling Color Cartridge (continued)
Ink Color Positioning
Below you will find references regarding the colors cartridge positioning to be followed when placing needles, depending on the model of cartridge you wish to refill.
HP Cartridges

(51641, C1823
C6578, C6625)
Magenta (22, 28, 57)
Yellow (95, 97)
Yellow
Yellow
(22,28,57)
Magenta
(95,97)
Magenta
Cyan
Cyan
(22,28, 57,
95, 97)
(49, 25)
Lado da Etiqueta
Yellow
Magenta
Cyan
Lexmark Cartridges

(26, 27)
(20, 60, 80)
Yellow
Cyan
Yellow
Magenta
Cyan
Magenta
User’s Guide
23
Refilling Color Cartridge (continued)
Filling Cartridges with Ink (Color cartridges)

Different models of cartridges have different capacities for storing ink. Table below
describes the sequence of buttons to be pressed at the time of refilling, in order
that the cartridge gets the correct amount of ink. After pressing the correct refill
button wait until “CARTRIDGE READY” LED starts blinking.
Cartridge
Brand / Model
Position of Levers
White
Black
Colors
HP 60/75/93
Lex 27
Press
Result
Button
Volume
5 ml
HP 22/28/95/75XL
HP 60XL - Lex 26
7,2 ml
HP 25/49/57/97
Lex 20/25/60/80
17 ml
HP 17/23/41/78
20 ml
EAC connected to the printhead trough the original Ready2Fill adapter.
Final ink volume, as indicated on column “Result” takes into consideration cartridges’ loss of ink resulting from EAC’s
simultaneous vacuum, and assumes that cartridge’s printhead is perfect and not obstructed in any manner.
Attention
After refilling disconnect IMMEDIATELLY the cartridge from the
adaptor, as its permanence will cause color contamination.
Clean the printhead using wet towel paper. Try the
3-color test, by pressing the printhead against humid
towel paper.
Movement of inks must be always in the same direction
as ink stripes.
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User’s Guide
15. Self-Cleaning System
Self-cleaning of hoses, recommended in cases where the machine is not to be
used for a long period of time* or has its front hoses disconnected because of
any reason. (Such as transportation).
Leave front hoses connected to the
“Collecting Box” and the 5 front
levers up.
1 - Lower the “White Lever”
. The “FILLING / PRIMING” LED on the panel
will blink and inks will be pumped towards the ink refills for 15 seconds. After that,
pumping will be interrupted and during 5 seconds(window time) the “CARTRIDGE
READY” LED will be also blinking.
2 - The 5 seconds is the
These 2 last leds
time you will have to
will be blinking at
switch-off the machine, the same time.
or RAHS** procedure will
run and you’ll have to
start once more the
Self-Cleaning operation.
(Item 1)
Switch-off the
selector lever.
* At least once a month.
** RAHS - Removing Air from Hose System.
User’s Guide
25
Get to Know
Other Ready2Fill Products
Professional Line
Fully automatic and micro-processed, TF900AUTOFLEX
has 6 independent programs and does not require any
interference regarding refilling on the part of the operator.
Each program takes the exact time for refilling required for
each cartridge model.
Professional Line
TFTriColor is a machine designed specially for the
professionals in the refilling area, as it refills all color ink
cartridges in the market!
For additional data,
call your local dealer or
Tinta Facil (55 11) 3668.8068
www.tintafacil.com.br